Linear Slide Arm for Portable X-Ray Positioning
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable x-ray units are cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in crowded neonatal departments, making it challenging to adjust the x-ray source for accurate imaging without moving the entire unit, especially in tight spaces with minimal room for equipment.
Innovation Solution
A linear slide apparatus mounted on a portable x-ray unit allows the x-ray source arm to move vertically and laterally in a limited linear motion, enabling precise adjustments without relocating the main unit, utilizing a linear slide mechanism with rotational capability and bearing housings for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the portable x-ray unit is made compact and stationary, then it is easier to maneuver in crowded spaces, but the x-ray source cannot be adjusted for accurate imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray system is divided into two independent parts: a stationary base unit and a movable arm assembly. The arm can be extended and retracted independently from the base, allowing positioning adjustment without moving the entire unit. This segmentation enables the system to maintain compactness while providing positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly incorporates a linear slide mechanism with bearing housings that enable dynamic movement along a linear path. The arm can be extended laterally and vertically within an arc through controlled mechanical motion, transforming the system from a static structure to a dynamically adjustable one while maintaining stability during operation.
2Measurement precision
If the entire x-ray unit is moved to adjust the x-ray source, then accurate imaging can be achieved, but the unit becomes cumbersome and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the positioning function from the main unit by implementing an independent movable arm assembly. The arm can be extended and retracted to achieve precise positioning of the x-ray source without requiring movement of the entire base unit, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while reducing the complexity of moving the complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear slide mechanism with bearing housings acts as an intermediary between the stationary base and the movable arm. This intermediary component enables smooth, controlled linear motion of the arm along a defined path, facilitating precise positioning while isolating the base unit from movement requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the arm is made extendable and retractable, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly employs a linear slide mechanism that provides controlled dynamic movement along a linear path defined by two parallel rails. The bearing housings slide along these rails to enable the arm to extend laterally and move vertically within an arc, achieving positioning flexibility through a well-defined mechanical motion pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear slide mechanism serves as an intermediary that simplifies the complexity of arm motion. By using two parallel rails and bearing housings, the complex three-dimensional movement of the arm is reduced to controlled linear motion along the rails, making the mechanism more manageable and reliable while achieving the desired positioning range.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a linear slide assembly to assist in the motion of an arm that moves vertically in an arc with the center of access statically attached to the linear slide assembly which is to be utilized in the field of portable x-ray imaging and more specifically, a system and method for extending and retracting a vertically moveable arm in a limited linear motion.